Media in frenzy over postponed 'Bennifer' wedding

US media are desperately seeking clues as to when superstars Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck will tie the knot after they postponed their wedding on Sunday because of the press frenzy.

Entertainment reporters were yesterday mining sources for information on the nuptials which Hollywood's hottest couple suddenly put off indefinitely yesterday, saying the press were ruining their special day.

The couple said they scrapped plans for the ceremony, which was reportedly set to take place in the Californian town of Santa Barbara, after they were forced to contemplate fielding no fewer than three decoy brides to fox the ravenous press pack.

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"Due to the excessive media attention surrounding our wedding, we have decided to postpone the date," the couple said in a statement released by publicist Dan Klores.

"When we found ourselves seriously contemplating hiring three separate 'decoy brides' at three different locations, we realised that something was awry.

"We began to feel that the spirit of what should have been the happiest day of our lives could be compromised. We felt what should have been a joyful and sacred day could be spoiled for us, our families and our friends."

Representatives for Tinseltown's most celebrated couple were tight-lipped today about contingency plans for the impending wedding which has had gossip columnists aflutter for almost a year.

But some Hollywood reporters were not convinced that the marriage of the year was really off the cards for this weekend.

"It could all be a ruse intended to distract attention from the real wedding," said Barry Levine of the National Enquirer tabloid newspaper, who is co-ordinating coverage of the "Bennifer" wedding plans in Santa Barbara.

"These two make for a very fluid situation, so we are not pulling out the substantial number of reporters we have on the story until we are sure it's not going ahead."

In fact, as workers apparently dismantled preparations for the wedding that was to be attended by 400 guests including some of Hollywood's top stars, media interest in the event was increasing.

"Their announcement has turned what was supposed to be a celebrity wedding into a very intense news investigation," Levine said.